Sports Rail

Manny Pacquiao's promoters say his prospective bout with Floyd Mayweather Jr. is dead after a mediation session failed to resolve the fighters' differences, scrapping what was likely to be the richest fight in boxing history.

The bout was slated for March 13 at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas, but Top Rank said late Wednesday night it couldn't reach an agreement with Golden Boy Promotions, which represents Mayweather.

The promoters went into mediation on Tuesday to resolve their differences over drug testing for the fight.

Both sides claimed every other detail for the fight had been decided.

The fighters apparently were close to a deal after the mediation, but subsequent discussions Wednesday led Top Rank to declare the fight canceled.

House expands head injuries probe

WASHINGTON -- After holding two hearings looking into head injuries in the NFL, a House panel now turns its attention to college and youth sports.

The House Judiciary Committee said Wednesday it will hold a forum in Houston on Feb. 1 looking at how high schools and colleges handle the problem. The committee held its second hearing on football head injuries on Monday in Detroit.

Next month's forum comes as a spotlight is focused on college football and concussions. Texas Tech suspended and then fired coach Mike Leach amid allegations of mistreating receiver Adam James after the player suffered a concussion.

Committee chairman John Conyers, D-Mich., said those responsible for educating and protecting younger players "must have a full understanding" of the issue.

Lady Raiders visit Covenant Hospital

The Lady Raiders continued their tradition of local community service by visiting Covenant Women's and Children's Hospital on Thursday.

Coach Kristy Curry and the team decorated cookies, signed autographs and took pictures with the children in the Family Room.

The Lady Raiders also went up to visit patients unable to make it down to the Family Room. They delivered toys to each room and visited with the children.

Last month the team visited with and served dinner to the residents of the Carillon House.